Academically okay but socially amazing: Definitely a Eurotrip! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enrolled as a political science student, but as it turns out political science is not really a subject that exists in Europe, so we were all placed in a graduate school department at UCL called Public Policy. All of my political science courses were therefore taken with American exchange students and graduate school lecturers. The courses were essay based (2 essays per course, 2,000 words per essay) and those courses finished in March. My fourth module was a psychology course that was assessed by only one exam which I took in May - there was no other coursework besides the exam. Overall, I felt that for my political science courses I really only learned the material that I wrote my essays on. It was a much easier academic environment than what I was used to in America.

On-site administration of your program

Since it was a direct enrollment programme, I virtually had no contact with UCL's study abroad office.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an amazing area in central London and was lucky to get one of the nicest flats offered by UCL housing. My room was much larger than other students I knew living in UCL housing and had an en suite bathroom. All of my flatmates were British, which had both ups and downs to it. It was a 20 minute walk to UCL, so a bit annoying when I had 9am lectures but it was a very nice and beautiful walk, and definitely very safe.

There were a lot of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores near my flat. There's also a ton of places to eat near UCL, and the ULU (University of London Union) as well as UCL Refectory has good/cheap food. London has tons of cafes with delicious sandwiches. If you just wander around you'll find tons of places to eat. King of Falafel was a flat favourite - we'd often grab it on our back from university. Food can be expensive, though. On average, 4 to 6 pounds (around 8 USD) a meal if you're eating at cafes or university/student places.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I travelled a lot and visited friends studying abroad in other countries. I also travelled with friends I made in London, both affiliate students and local British students and my flatmates.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I found London to be much more laid back and relaxed than I had anticipated for a city of its reputation and size. Certainly some areas are much busier than others, but where I stayed had a very nice feel to it. I always felt safe, but it's important to be alert particularly at night. While I was never impacted by any safety issues, I did hear incidents of pickpocketing or mugging (all of which occurred at night with people who were alone).

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm
• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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